Colorifix is a biotechnology company that aims to bring a novel, sustainable and environmentally friendly process to the textile dyeing industry by eliminating the use of hazardous chemicals as well as allowing for large savings in water and energy use. Colorifix has been recognised by winning awards in both synthetic biology and fashion, with full information available on our website.

We promote and adhere to our company values of Trust, Sustainability, Respect, Inclusivity and Social Conscience.

Colorifix is seeking a Coloration Lab Technician to support the development of sustainable microbial dyes. In this hands-on role, you will manage the preparation, execution, and colour assessment of dyeing formulations on fabric swatches. As a key member of the Lab-scale Process Development team, you will accelerate the validation of recipes—using fermentation cultures directly as the dyeing liquor—to ensure processes are robust and ready for transfer to commercial manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lab Dip Preparation & Dyeing

• Liquor and sample preparation: Accurately weigh fabric and pipette liquid solutions with high precision.

• Machine operation: Operate laboratory dyeing equipment (e.g. Pyrotec, Ahiba) to process substrate samples.

• Documentation: Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all executed dyeing experiments and related spectrophotometric measurements.

• Troubleshooting: Identify and troubleshoot routine equipment malfunctions or deviations in the dyeing process and escalate complex issues to senior members of the team.

2. Colour Assessment

• Visual assessment: Visually inspect fabric samples in a light booth to detect metamerism or other colour discrepancies.

• Colour quality: Perform physical colour fastness testing on fabric samples (light, wash, rubfastness).

• Digital analysis: Use a spectrophotometer to measure and record colour values.

• Data recording: Produce high quality records and reports on our central database and disseminate in a timely fashion.

• Database: Maintain and update the databases related to fabric colour assessment.

• Troubleshooting: Support R&D and Implementation teams with technical troubleshooting related to colour performance.

• Communication: Communicate efficiently within the lab-scale team and with otherteams to ensure fabric colour assessment schedule aligns with generation of dyed samples.

3. Lab Maintenance & Safety

• Maintain an organised inventory of dyeing liquors and chemicals, in accordance to safety requirements.

• Maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment to ensure a safe and organised work environment.

• Assist in the routine preventative maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of lab dyeing and accessory equipment (pH probe, etc).

• Maintain and update the SOPs related to lab dips and fabric colour assessment.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education:Associate’s degree or Certificate in Textile Technology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. High School Diploma with relevant industry experience is acceptable.

• Experience: 1–3 years of hands-on experience in a textile wet processing lab or dyehouse.

• Technical Skills:

  • Experience operating laboratory dyeing equipment.

  • Basic knowledge of dye chemistry.

  • Mathematical aptitude for calculating percentages and ratios.

• Proficiency with color management software (e.g., Datacolor) is a plus.

• Soft Skills:

  • Attention to detail.

  • Ability to work under tight deadlines.

  • Team player and pragmatic.

  • Sense of urgency and commitment to the mission.

Title: Coloration Lab Technician

Reports to: Senior Lab-scale Process Development Scientist

Location: Vila Nova De Famalicao, Portugal

Holidays: 22 + BH + Birthday